State warns civil servants

State warns civil servantsMansa, May 22, 2013, ZANIS…. Government says itwill not hesitate to fire civil servants who are frustrating efforts to implement developmental projects in the country.

And government has directed the public media to explain its policiesand programmes to the general public so that they make informeddecisions.

Information and Broadcasting Service deputy minister Mwansa Kapeyasaid government has ambitious programmes such as the construction ofroads, schools and health centres which he said civil servants have topromote and not block the implementation process.

The Minister who is on a familiarization tour of media houses inLuapula and Northern Provinces said government is aware of theexistence of some civil servants who are frustrating its efforts.

He said civil servants have a duty to implement developmental policiesand programmes of government as they are the engine of development.

Speaking when he toured the Provincial offices of the Zambia News andInformation Services (ZANIS) in Mansa, Mr. Kapeya said government isin the process of equipping and recruiting staff in ZANIS offices in allthe districts countrywide.

He however warned against misuse of equipment saying governmentwill not tolerate non performers in the system.

He said the public media are the mouth piece of government inexplaining programmes to the people especially those in very remote areaswho have no access to information.

He said the media can only explain government policies better if theyare educated and informed on issue taking place in the country.

And ZANIS head of maintenance in Mansa Saulosi Zulusaid the department is facing challenges that range from erraticfunding, lack of equipment to low staffing levels.

Mr. Zulu said despite the challenges, ZANIS is performing its dutiesof informing the public on government programmes and that of providingother services.

He commended the deputy minister and the PF government for its efforts inimproving the operations of ZANIS in the province.

The deputy minister later toured the Catholic Church owned Radio Yangeni, K – FM radio and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation transmitters.

During his tour of community radio stations in Mansa, Mr Kapeya urged management tocomply with the ethics of broadcasting and also help government reachout to people in rural areas.

He warned that government will not tolerate media houses that areoperating like political parties by always criticizing governmentwithout substantial reasons.

He noted that some political parties are in the habit of criticizing government on various issues without concrete reasons and without offering solutions to the problems.

The deputy minister is tomorrow expected to feature on a special one-hourradio programme at radio yangeni to explain the removal of maize andfuel subsidies by government.